SSSGC USA - Region 3 Annual Retreat 2024

Sairam!

By the Grace of our beloved Bhagavan, SSSGC Region 3, USA, Zone 1 offered a blissful and spiritually uplifting retreat from May 24th-May 27th, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This is the annual retreat that Region 3 organizes to rejuvenate and celebrate Bhagavan's love in a unified manner. Region 3 spans over 6 states in the southeast region of the United States and 1 Caribbean Island.

Swami blessed this retreat this year with outstanding speakers like Shri S.S Naganand, Brother Shithu Chudasama, Brother Nishikant Barodekar and Brother Ananth Srinivas.

The theme of the retreat was - Expansion Through Love- The Sai Way, which had the essence of Love and Service embedded in all the programs.

This year's retreat was unique as the host team Devotees opened their homes and hearts to devotees from other Sai Centers, to share the love that Sai has given us.

The days started with Suprabhatam, Vedam Chanting and Nagarsankeertan which seemingly transported the devotees to The Heavenly Abode of Prasanthi Nilayam. Blissful bhajans, spirituality provoking workshops and numerous service activities like building homes for veterans and homeless, blood donation drive, packing fruits for elderly and making blankets to give in hospitals for newborns, offered opportunities to devotees to participate in what our dear Sai has taught us to aspire to live our lives by.

Evenings were resplendent with programs offered by Young Adults, SSSE children and Adults which brought back sweet memories of Swami enjoying the programs offered by students by His devotees in Kulwant Hall.

Nutritious and sumptuous Prasadam meals thrice daily made at the venue by Sai devotees fed the Deham (body) while the guest speakers nourished the Sohan (I am that).

The Divine presence of Swami was felt in many ways throughout the retreat. A special event was also organized - A Multi Faith discussion with multiple local community and faith leaders, moderated by Dr Axay Kalathia, Zone 1 Chair, which confirmed to all that practicing Unity of Faiths is the only way for expansion.7

A final program titled- "How can a Swami Devotee bring in The Golden Age” was an eye-opening and enlightening session. This was presented by esteemed panelists- Shri Naganand, Bro. Shitu Chudasama, Dr. Axay Kalathia, Dr. Balu Karanam and a very special guest- Sister Geetha Mohan Ram.

Devotees commented that they will be able to return to their centers and incorporate numerous new ideas for study circle discussions, devotional nurturing as well as incorporating new service projects from their active participation in the Region 3 retreat.

The SSSGC Region 3, USA Retreat was a divine conglomeration and expression of Swami's love for all.  We collectively look forward to next year’s retreat.

For retreat videos, please browse region 3's youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWGcGNb8jcZ6ZOsx55dc2njEuUmFJQQPW

JAI SAI RAM!